Chevrolet Introduces First Hardtop Corvette Convertible New Stingray Convertible Offers the Same Storage As Coupe, Even with the Top Down
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October 3rd 2019 Chevrolet Introduces First Hardtop Corvette Convertible New Stingray convertible offers the same storage as coupe, even with the top down CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Open-air driving has always been a part of the Chevrolet Corvette’s heritage. In fact, when the Corvette debuted in 1953, it was available only as a convertible. The new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible builds off that heritage as the first hardtop and mid-engine convertible in Corvette history. “We put the world on notice when we introduced the first mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette a few months ago, and now we’re raising the bar even higher with the first-ever hardtop Corvette convertible,” said Brian Sweeney, Chevrolet U.S. vice president. First and foremost, a convertible The new mid-engine Corvette Stingray was engineered first and foremost as a convertible. The convertible maintains the tunnel-dominant structure and use of high-integrity die-cast parts found in the Stingray coupe. The team engineered the hardtop to stow seamlessly into the body, maintaining the Stingray’s impressive ability to store two sets of golf clubs in the trunk even with the top down. The convertible also keeps the coupe’s front storage compartment, which can fit an airline-spec carry-on and a laptop bag. The hardtop provides a quieter cabin, increased security and a cleaner look compared to the previous softtop designs. “Our goal from the beginning was to make sure customers didn’t have to sacrifice any functionality, performance or comfort when choosing the hardtop convertible,” said Josh Holder, Corvette program engineering manager. “We managed to keep the same design theme as the coupe, as well as the exceptional storage capacity and track capability.” Inspired by jets Like the coupe, the Stingray convertible’s design was inspired by fighter jets. The tonneau cover features aerodynamically shaped nacelles influenced by the housing used for jet engines. The nacelles, which were also used as inspiration on the Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle (CERV) I and II, as well as the Corvette SS and SR2 concepts, help reduce air recirculation into the cabin and provide a remarkably exotic profile with the top up or down. The tonneau also provides a rear power-adjustable window and a vent for mid-engine cooling. The two-piece top can be activated at speeds up to 30 mph and retract in as few as 16 seconds. It is powered by six electric motors — a Corvette first — and uses encoders for precise control. Switching to electric motors from hydraulic systems helps increase reliability. A body-colored roof is standard, while Carbon Flash metallic-painted nacelles and roof are optional. Careful attention was paid to make sure the engine could breathe when stored underneath the tonneau cover. The sheet-molded composite top stows in a compartment made from lightweight composite panels and heat shields to manage heat from the engine. A divider glass window in the middle of the vehicle can be power adjusted with the top up or down. The glass has been optimized to reduce air recirculation and wind noise in the cabin for improved quietness. The roof system design, combined with the same rear spoiler used on the Stingray coupe’s Z51 Performance Package, results in identical drag between the coupe and convertible with the top up. Engineers tweaked the chassis for the convertible, with springs and dampers tuned specifically to provide nearly the same performance as the coupe. No compromise performance Like the Stingray coupe, the convertible is powered by the next-generation 6.2L Small Block V-8 LT2 engine, the only naturally aspirated V-8 in the segment. It will produce 495 horsepower (369 kW) and 637 Nm (470 lb-ft) of torque when equipped with performance exhaust — the most horsepower and torque for any entry Corvette. The LT2 is paired with Chevrolet’s first eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which provides lightning- fast shifts and excellent power transfer. This transmission is uniquely designed to provide the best of both worlds: the spirited, directly connected feeling of a manual and the premium driving comfort of an automatic. The double-paddle de-clutch feature even allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for more manual control. When combined, the advanced propulsion system, revised chassis tuning and retractable hardtop make the new Stingray the most no-compromise Corvette convertible in history. The new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe goes into production at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly in late 2019 for the domestic market, with the convertible following in late first-quarter 2020. A right-hand drive version of the convertible will be available in select international markets at a later date. ABOUT CHEVROLET Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world's largest car brands, selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy -to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet performance car models can be found at www.chevroleteurope.de. The Chevrolet Media Website with full details, pictures and videos can be accessed via the following link www.media.chevroleteurope.com. # # # CONTACT: René Kreis Cadillac & Chevrolet Performance Cars Europe Communication +41 79 888 14 48 [email protected] .